Cuddle Buddies: Under the Weather

"Oh my. Things seems to be getting worse for the poor thing," you tell your little pony. Shiner had just given you another update to his story, and he seemed rather pleased with himself. You want to feel bad for his character, but Ivory has told you about how Shiner finds the whole situation to be comical. In a way it is, yet sometimes you wonder. "Regardless, I enjoyed it Shiner. You did a nice job."

"Thank you Master," he replies with childish glee. They both absolutely love to hear your praise. The smiles on their faces makes it worth it every time, even when you have to tell them where they come up short. They actually still smile when you tell them there's something wrong.

It's about 9:30am now, and you usually have your ponies do their updates at night. Shiner caught himself a case of the writing bug, and decided to get the new part out as soon as possible. Apparently, he didn't want to lose the inspiration. That was okay since Ivory hadn't gotten up yet.

"Do you think she's still asleep?" Shiner asks, noticing you were looking towards the hallway.

"I imagine so, but she doesn't sleep in -this- late. I should check on her."

"I'm going to. You -did- tell me to look out for her." He sports a grin after saying that. You assume he's trying to be a smart ass again.

"That I did. Shall we?" You'll let it go this time just because he just entertained you.

The two of you head towards the bedroom after you get up from the couch. Along the way you start hearing a couple strange noises. Shiner's ears are standing straight up at attention, and he cocks his head to the side a little.

"What is that?" he asks.

I'm not sure, but I don't like the sound of it."

You pick up your pace, and you hear the noise again. You know what that sound is, and you really don't like it. It's a coughing sound that quickly turns into hacking and wheezing. A girlish groan then rings out from the bedroom, and your fear is confirmed. Ivory is making those noises.

Opening the door, your met with a sight you wish you would never see. Ivory lays upon the bed looking incredibly weak and annoyed. She coughs for a second, and looks up towards you. Thinking quickly, you push Shiner out of the doorway and into the hallway. After shutting the door, you go over to the hallway closet for a certain item. You rummage through the closet for a moment before finding what you were looking for. A couple masks to hopefully protect you and Shiner from Ivory's apparent illness.

"I'm going to put this on you Shiner, and you're not to take it off around Ivory for any reason," you command as you place it over his snout. You got it specially made for him, and you had one made for Ivory as well. They're based off the human versions for cleaning and stuff, but they'll work just fine. You hope so at least.

"How sick is she Master?" He looks up at you a little worried.

"I don't know yet, but it seems to be in full swing judging by how she looked."

You would think that Shiner would know about the signs of illness, but then again they're both ponies now. Who knows how different this will be. You don't even know what kind of illness she has yet either.

Returning to the bedroom, you find Ivory trying to stand up. You walk over to her and lay her back down. She tries to resist at first, but a stern look from you casts out any further attempts to disobey. It didn't seem like she could fight anyway as she looked like she was actively trying at first. Though she looked that way, there was little to no power behind her struggle.

You check her forehead, and it feels kind of like it's on fire. She coughs, hacks, and her nose is running like a faucet. Shiner has already placed some tissues next to you, and you begin wiping her nose. She groans a bit more, but she moves like her limbs are killing her.

"Master," she tries to speak, but it comes out weakly.

"Easy Ivory, don't say anything. Just lay down and rest. Obviously, you're sick, but I don't quite know with what yet. Judging by the signs, I want to say it's the flu."

"The flu?" Shiner speaks up with surprise.

"That's what it looks like. Lightly nod your head yes or no to answer this question Ivory. Do you feel achy all over?"

She nods yes.

"Does your head hurt a bit?"

Another yes.

"It could actually be the flu. A normal cold wouldn't leave her so weak and in pain like this. Shiner, go get me the Nyquil from the bathroom. It should be on the sink since I needed it last night."

With another of his cute salutes, he heads off towards the bathroom. The salesman had told you that medicine for humans would still work normally on them. You just have to lower the dosage a bit due to their size. There's still some human left in them it seems.

Shiner returns to find you rubbing Ivory's mane and assuring her that everything will be okay. Once he hands you the bottle, you fill up the small cup to about half your dosage. Ivory doesn't want to take it, but she can't resist a command. Thank goodness for their domestication. She coughs a bit after taking it, but settles down shortly after.

"Now listen to me Ivory. I don't want you getting up and out of bed for anything. If you do have the flu, we're not taking any chances. I want you feeling better as soon as possible, but you're only going to delay it if you try to run around."

"Okay Master," she replies. Her ears fall when she says that. It hurts to make her sad, but this could be serious.

You and Shiner both setup a few things Ivory will need for this. A bottle for throat mucus, tissues for her nose, Nyquil close at hand for when you need to give her some, and the good ole humidifier. These things should do her some good until you get her some sustenance for her body. You also place a bucket within reach for her in case the vomiting starts, and manage to catch Shiner sneaking a nuzzle to her head. Thankfully, he was careful with her. With all that in place, you usher Shiner out to let her get some sleep.

"She's going to be okay, right Master?"

"Of course she will Shiner. Just as long as she gets her rest. Keep that mask with you at all times. If you see her outside of that room, put it on immediately and get her back into bed."

"Yes ma'am!" Those salutes of his really get you sometimes.

"C'mon private. You can help me make some soup for her," you tell him with a giggle.

"Private huh," he taunts. He also adds in some nudging to your leg and a sly grin.

"Do you want to pull latrine duty Private?"

"Ouch Master. No fun allowed," his ears fall a bit, but you know he's fooling around.

"As much as I'd love to 'take care' of you, we have a sick Ivory on our hands and hooves. Fun time later, sick pony now."

"You mean it Master?" his ears couldn't stand any straighter.

"Feeling pent up?"

"A bit..."

"Aw, you poor thing," you tease, "I guess I could stand to release some tension after a bit."

"Hehe, thank you so much Master. I'd bother Ivory about it, but you know..."

You stop him, kneel down, and plant a kiss on his lips. Not just any kiss, one that's sure to keep him preoccupied until later. A little tongue never hurts, and he agrees completely. It seems they can never resist letting go when you slip them the tongue.

After the saliva exchange, you give him a pat and you both make your way to the kitchen. Ivory is going to need something to keep her strength up, and something that's mostly fluid should help quite a bit.

Once in the kitchen, you don an apron and get out the items necessary for soup creation. Thanks to the little stairs you recently got, Shiner made his way up onto the counter. It was certainly a wise investment since trying to lift him up to the counter proved difficult on occasion. You would let them up there to help you fix different things if only because it was cute to watch them help you. Utensils were off limits, but you didn't mind them helping with other items and direction reading from the cookbook. You were actually going to throw that cookbook out until Ivory asked to read it for you one day. That pan could never be used again.

"Okay, how about we get started assistant?" You wink at him.

"Yes chef!" He has to know what those salutes do to you. He'll be the death of you if he gets Ivory into the act.

*5 minutes later*

"Are you sure the directions said to put that stuff in?" You ask, not turning from the bubbling beast emerging from the pot.

"It doesn't specifically say when..." He trails off, opting to continue staring into the book intently.

A certain thought about not knowing what went wrong pops up, but you mentally slap yourself. This is what you get for trying for the fancy stuff you suppose. Wait, did it just move? Shaking your head a second in disbelief, you have to wonder how it came to this. It all started out well enough, but it's like something out of a cheesy horror film now. Even with the burner turned off it still grows.

"Do you think it's supposed to do that?" Shiner asks, looking at the creature from the metal lagoon.

"Soup doesn't regularly star in real bad horror flicks, Shiner."

"At least it's not the Thing from Uranus."

"Very funny, now what do you think we should do?"

"I never cooked while I was human."

"Never?" You look at him quizzically.

"Sis always got that job. I only knew how to fix real simple stuff like mac n cheese or frozen pizzas."

You giggle at him for a moment, but try to suppress it when he looks at you. "Okay then, any ideas at all?"

"Exterminatus."

"What?"

"Nothing. I mean we should probably get rid of it and start over. I'm really not seeing where we went wrong."

"That's probably for the best. I don't like the idea of playing the part of the first victim."

"I don't like it either." Suddenly his ears perk up a bit in realization. "Don't we have a can up in the cupboard. I thought I recall helping you put it away the last time you got groceries."

"You're right, and I completely forgot. Good boy." A pet to his mane makes him smile. Reaching up to the cupboard, you open the one where the cans are stored. Sure enough, there's a can of mushroom soup eying you like it knows what just happened.

A little bit later, the creature is disposed of and you have something worthy of your sick pony. You pour it into a special bowl for her, and Shiner sets up a breakfast tray. You had just finished placing everything on the tray when a sneeze gets your attention. It came from the living room.

Peeking around the corner, you see a certain white unicorn who's about to be in trouble. She's struggling to walk a bit, but it looks like she's headed to the coffee table. There's nothing there except... writing supplies.

"Ivory," you calmly say while leaning against the wall. This surprises her and she shakily turns around. The look on her face is that of a kid who just got caught with her hand in the cookie jar. She also looks a bit like she wants to cry, but that could also be because of her condition.

"M-Master," she starts after a small cough, "I didn't want to *cough* rest though. I want to write."

"You can write all you want when you're better. I know you don't want to be laid up in bed, but it really will help you get better. I'm going to put you back in bed, bring you some soup, you're going to eat it, and then you're going back to sleep. Okay?"

"Yes Master," she replies with a defeated tone. You hope that sniffle was because of her nose.

Putting your mask back on, you gently pick her up. She groans a bit from the contact, but nuzzles into you once she's in your arms. "I'm doing this for your own good Ivory. Please don't strain yourself for now. I couldn't bear the thought of this getting worse, especially since I have no idea who I would take you to."

"I'm sorry Master," she responds with aside from another cough. She starts sniffling a bit before she pulls her head back to look at you. "I don't want to be a bad pony, but I also don't want to lay in bed all day."

"I'd never consider you a bad pony. Both of you are the best things in my life right now. I want that to last; if that means I have to get strict, then so be it. Plenty of rest will make sure you get better much faster."

And there goes the waterworks. She pushes her muzzle into you and starts quietly crying. She can't manage too much noise due to her illness it seems, but you can still hear a few whimpers. After a moment, she pulls back and looks up at you with teary red eyes. "I don't like being sick Master."

"Nobody does," is all you can say while your heart skips a few beats from the beetus. Instead of adding to your comment, you decide a hug is better. You'll need to change your shirt, but she needs a bit of comfort for now. It sounded childish for her to say, but you assume she was talking about something that stuck with her in the change from human to pony. The human must have enjoyed it to an even lesser extent than normal. You give her a few moments in the hallway by cradling her.

You take great care to lay her down into bed softly once you enter the bedroom. She moans a bit as she tries to situate herself, but she manages to get settled under the covers well enough on her own. You rinse out her mucus bottle and empty the small trash receptacle she filled with tissues. With that out of the way, you fetch the soup.

Shiner sits at the end of the hallway, mask on, and with a real sorrowful look on his face. He looks up at you when you stop before him. "She'll get better soon Shiner. She just needs to respect her current limits."

"It's not that Master." He looks down at the floor once more.

"What is it?"

"You told me to take care of her. I can't do anything for her now."

"You're already taking care of her. You helped me make the soup, fetched a few things for her when I asked, and don't think I didn't see you give her a nuzzle earlier. You can't fight this illness for her, but you can make sure she fights it properly."

"Can I talk to her later if she feels up to it? If she can't get up and about, talking might keep her company," he asks with pleading eyes as he stares into your own.

"As long as you keep the mask on at all times. Keep the fooling around to a minimum as well. Too much laughter could hurt her."

"Thanks Master. Uh, do you think maybe..." he trails off mumbling.

"Right now? You don't really look aroused."

"I've been ready to go since you said we could earlier. I just know how to hide it better. I actually had to learn when running around with Ivory. Her tail is usually never in the way most of the time."

"That explains why you're always letting her take the lead when you two run around," you snicker. Looking him over, you see he actually is on the verge of being fully ready. You imagine he fights pretty hard day after day to not pin Ivory down in the play room and show her just how much he loves her. Does Ivory know about it? She's not always the innocent little cuddle buddy. You wouldn't put it past her to tempt Shiner on occasion with "accidentally" leaving herself exposed.

"So do you think we cou-" he's cut off as your underwear lands on his face. You had been wearing a skirt today, and slipped them off while he wasn't looking. He reaches up and removes them from his face and shoots you a grin, but not before giving them a sniff. He would be the type to smell those kinds of things.

"Did you really just sniff those?"

"It's a nice scent," that grin can't get any bigger. You realize he did that for your amusement now.

"I'm glad you think so. Care for a taste of the real thing though?"

"Always."

After you get Ivory her soup and get her to sleep, you put the tray back in the kitchen. She had a little trouble eating the soup, but you managed to help her by feeding her a few times with a spoon. Once enough was consumed, you were able to have her slurp the soup from the bowl itself. She also rolled her eyes at Shiner when she noticed him standing in the doorway with your panties dangling from his mouth. You thought she wanted to comment, but she didn't say a word. She laid back down after finishing, and you gave her some soft pets along with a few words of encouragement.

*1 hour and quite a few orgasms later*

You and Shiner lay on the couch in a loving embrace, panting and exhausted. He managed to hit all the right spots it seems because you feel very relieved right now. You also feel a bit full too. Somehow, he managed to go a few times. He must have been seriously pent up to have all that stored up. You imagine he must not be able to relieve himself either with hooves. Regardless, you were both sated for now.

You're about to drift off when you hear Ivory calling for you. This gets Shiner's attention just as fast as his ears stand straight up. That didn't sound like the kind of call she would use if she had a question. That sounded like a call for help of some sort.

Not caring about being as naked as you are, both you and Shiner hurry to the bedroom. Putting on your masks a moment before, you enter to find Ivory lurched over a bucket. She's crying, and her muzzle is covered in what could possibly be the soup mixed with other stomach contents. Add vomiting to the list of her symptoms now.

"Master," she tries between her crying and another round of tossing her cookies. It stops after a moment, and she returns her gaze to you. "Help me please... I hate this," she speaks between short breaths. Her breathing has gotten real heavy, and you assume she has thrown up a fair amount. Chances are, the entire serving of soup is now in the bucket. You're a little worried about how much like a child her plea sounded, but she still needs you.

Shiner quickly takes the bucket to dump it into the toilet and returns just in time. Ivory was about to lose it again when Shiner got back. You may have used too much force to get her to the bucket, but you were not taking chances.

You just sit there and cradle her as she heaves into the bucket. She has kept her head close to it as per your instructions. Shiner returns with the air freshener you sent him after and dutifully plugs it in. It's the kind that fits into a socket and spreads its scent about. After doing that, he hops onto the bed and lays down next to Ivory. He gets as close as possible, and then tries to surround her the same way you are with your arm. Her crying starts slowing down as she begins to feel the calming effect of the protective bubble. She shouldn't feel quite so alone in her fight now.

"Feeling a little better dear?" you ask as you wipe her muzzle with a towel you placed on the stand when you got the bucket.

"Yes Master."

"That kind of thing is never easy, but we're here for you now."

"I'm sorry Master."

"What for my little pony?"

"I tried to go to the play room a little bit ago while you and Shiner were having fun. Half way there, I felt the urge to throw up, and I rushed back."

"I guess I can't really reprimand you for disobeying an order since you already paid the price. I wish you'd listen to me though. Sure, it hurts you to go through this, but it hurts me just as much to see you like this. It breaks my heart to watch the two of you in any kind of pain."

"That comment would probably make me feel better if you weren't naked and leaking Shiner's spunk onto the bed," she giggles before coughing a little.

"Sounds like you're feeling a little better already if you can joke like that."

"Can you two... stay with me for a while?" she looks up at you. Those eyes of hers are full of plead and pain. How could you resist?

"What do you think Shiner?" you ask, giving him a quick pet before returning to cradling Ivory.

"I want to stay with her," he replies, not looking away from her. She turns towards him and smiles.

"Thanks Shiner. You're always there for me," she tells him, giving him a light nuzzle.

Changing into your bed clothes, you lay down next to Ivory and hold her close. Shiner squirms his way into the cuddling as well as he doesn't want to be too far from Ivory's side. The smile on her face as she falls asleep warms your heart. Perhaps she just didn't want to be alone while she was sick.

*2 days later*

Ivory has gotten a lot better, but she still isn't good enough to start daily activities. No more vomiting, mucus output has slowed, and her nose isn't leaking as bad anymore. Shiner has only left her side for bathroom breaks and to help you with things you needed. Thankfully, he hasn't shown any signs of catching it, and neither have you. You still had a few more mishaps with her trying to get out of bed, but you didn't get after her too hard. You realized that not leaving her alone made her more obedient, and that suit you just fine.

You've just returned from getting groceries, and Shiner is helping you put them away.

"Is she out of the woods yet Master? Her fever has gone down a tad." he asks out of the blue while placing some cans in the cupboard.

"I'm not really sure, but the decrease in the severity of her symptoms has to be a good sign."

"Did you know she kind of whimpers every time I get off the bed?"

"I figured she would. That smile she had when we first laid down with her was full of relief. I imagine being sick in that little body must be frightening. It doesn't help that her personality has changed a bit too."

"You talk so casually about what happened to us. I'm not saying I regret this at all, but how do you feel about it?"

"About turning two humans into ponies and making them my pets? It does sound kind of creepy doesn't it?"

"I'm actually kind of glad it happened. I've never been so happy, and luckily we got the best Master around."

"I wouldn't trade you two for the world. It's not an easy topic to think about actually. I took two humans from their homes and made them obedient pets. I love those pets and never want to see them come to harm, but I guess all I can do to atone for 'kidnapping' them is make sure they have the best home full of the love and care they deserve."

"If it helps, I feel the opposite about the whole 'kidnapping' thing. Everything I've experienced so far has kind of made me want to thank you for everything. It might be the domestication talking, but I don't ever want to go back."

"Easy for you to say; all you gotta do is eat, sleep, write, play, and follow orders without question."

"Don't forget the rutting. Pleasing you isn't exactly easy you know."

"Aww, am I too much for the little guy?"

"Is that a challenge?"

The two of you lock eyes and stare as if you were both serious. Moments later the kitchen is filled with laughter. You give him a quick pat and a kiss to the cheek before getting back to work.

"It does make me feel a little better about having you two, so thanks Shiner."

"If you want to make it up to me, I can think of a way," he grins at you

"Not gonna happen," you respond without even looking in his direction.

"Darn..."

The rest of the time putting groceries away is spent with idle conversation of little importance. Things like weather, how things are in town, and what's for dinner. You had to gently bop him on the snout for the comment he made about dinner. It wasn't so much that he said beef, but the way he said it. A smart ass to the end it seems.

Once that's all done, you make your way back to the bedroom to check on sickly hooves. She doesn't quite hear the door opening as it seems she's focused on her writing. You had placed the breakfast tray on the bed so she could test her strength. Seems she has just enough to get some work done at least. She does hear the door shut though, and the look in her eyes when she sees you is full of joy.

"Welcome home Master. Did you get everything okay?" She greets after setting her pencil down. It's real amazing how they manage to write with their mouths. It's legible too which is the real shocker.

"I certainly did my little pony. How are you feeling?"

"Still a couple coughs and sneezing, but the aches have almost gone away. I can actually get to the bathroom all by myself now."

"That's good to hear. I'm a bit relieved your fever has gone down too from what Shiner told me. Just how do you know you can make it to the bathroom though?"

"Shiner made me try, but he stayed with me the whole time. He even brought the ladder in to help me get down off the bed by myself. He already put it back in case you didn't already see it."

"How do you think he got up on the counter to help put groceries away?" you giggle.

"You're not upset?" She tilts her head to the side.

"Of course not. I might've actually tried the same. I'm rather surprised I didn't think of that before leaving earlier. Just be sure not to push yourself too much okay?"

"I won't Master. I've been thinking about it, and I want to apologize for being disobedient like that. I hated being stuck in bed while you two were having fun. I also got really bored with not being able to play or write, especially when I had ideas for my story. It felt like being locked in a cage."

You don't respond. You just sit down next to her and gently pet her mane. That lets her know you forgive her. She goes back to writing, and you watch her do so. Shiner comes in a couple moments later, and curls right back up beside her. They share a quick nuzzle before getting back to work. You're so thankful that the masks are actually working so well. You're both still wearing them around her because as you said; no chances.

Hours pass just like that. The three of you bouncing ideas, Shiner writing up a quick and silly one-shot, and dealing with her coughing fits. They still leave her so sore afterwards, but the medicine you got helps a little as she told you.

"Okay my little ponies, it's just about bedtime, and I need to be up early tomorrow."

They both look at you in confusion. "Why's that Master?" Ivory asks.

"Tomorrow is laundry day, and I get the feeling these sheets are going to give me trouble," you wink at her.

"It's from all that stuff you leaked on the bed isn't it," Shiner teases.

"That wouldn't have happened if you didn't fill me up like that along with a certain somebody getting out of bed when she wasn't supposed to."

They both look down and then towards each other.

"I'm joking. I already changed those particular sheets out the next day."

You love how their ears stand up in surprise. They're just heavy enough sleepers that they didn't notice when you laid them on the floor, changed the sheets, and put them back.

"You two really didn't notice when I laid you on the floor? You're heavier sleepers than I thought. You couldn't really expect me to just lay in that could you?"

"Why not? You were perfectly comfortable with it sloshing around in your belly," Shiner snickers.

"That's gross Shiner," Ivory scolds.

"Pfft, you didn't hear her rubbing her stomach. It was the grossest thing I ever heard," he quips.

"Can we move on to another subject besides that?" you ask, fixing him with a look that said play time was over. "It's time for bed."

They both agree, and you settle into bed. Not before giving Ivory a complimentary belly rub though. The feeling of her soft belly against your hands is much better than any blanket from a dryer you've ever felt. You run your hand up and down the length of her body as she squirms in delight. Every so often you would switch to a few circling motions here and there before returning to the up and down. Eventually, you get a squee out of her, and she falls fast asleep. She doesn't have much energy after those normally, and being sick makes that doubly exhausting. Shiner declines your offer for a belly rub, but instead tries once again to get something out of you. Failing again, he begrudgingly goes to sleep. He'll get over it, he always does.

The next day, you lay Ivory down on the couch. She can watch TV while you do some laundry. The wash room isn't far off the living room, so she won't get too lonely. Shiner tried to help you, but ultimately decided to watch after Ivory instead. Sheets, clothes, and a few socks are on today's agenda.

Once you have everything going, you walk back into the living room to check on your ponies. Go figure, they're watching the cartoon that spawned them. You wonder if they learn any lessons from watching it nowadays. Nah, they're pretty smart for a pair of cuddle buddies. You're giving Shiner some credit due to the fact he finds himself taking a hoof smack from Ivory every so often. She's quick with a riposte on some occasions too. Regardless, it all goes to show you the love they share between each other.

Ever since the night Ivory said she loved Shiner during one of their 'sessions,' he has been a bit more closer to her. You're not sure if he has come to terms with it all, but he refuses to turn his back on her for anything. It's fine by you since there isn't any sort of stigma against any of the things you all do in the house. Judgements are always checked at the door. If the two of them are in love, you're not gonna stop them. Doesn't seem to matter anyway since their love for you is apparently the most important in their minds. Master's orders, feelings, and wishes always supersede everything else.

"How are you two doing," you reach over the couch and scratch their ears a bit as you ask that. Ivory pushes her head into your hand immediately, and Shiner decides to just let you at his ear with a content grin on his face you think. Kinda hard to tell with the mask on.

"Much better Master, and this episode is pretty funny," Ivory answers with a chipper attitude. She sounds a lot better to if her voice is any indication. Sure there are still a few coughs, but they're definitely not as frequent.

You take a seat between the two after having Shiner scoot over. He didn't stay by your side too long as he hopped off the couch long enough to lay down on the other side of Ivory. He looks up at you for a second, and you give him a wink. You assume he wanted to make sure he hadn't offended you. Another ear scratch let him know what you thought of his decision. Thinking on it, you might have told him to sit over there to begin with. You also realize you could have just set on the other side of Ivory yourself, but Master's orders~. Why not? It's your place anyway, and noting their obedience is always good according to the salesman.

"How are the muscles Ivory," you ask while rubbing her sides.

"They don't really hurt anymore, but I don't seem to have much strength."

"That's good. Pretty soon you won't have to worry about resting as much anymore. I still want you to take it easy after you get much better though. We won't really know for sure if you're better until it's absolutely clear."

"I understand Master. Thanks for staying close with me although I wish it didn't have to be with those masks on."

"Chances Ivory."

"I know, but you two look silly with them on."

"Could you imagine trying to take care of Master if she got sick like you?" Shiner nudges her with a chuckle.

"Heaven forbid I got sick Shiner. I just can't picture you two making me a bowl of soup," you jest.

"I'm not the one who succeeded in giving birth to 'it' you know," he shoots you a smirk.

"It?" Ivory butts in.

"It was nothing. Shiner just didn't read me the directions right," you chortle.

"Master, Shiner might be a wise ass, but he definitely knows how to read. If he couldn't, then we would never get anywhere sometimes." She makes a good point, and it seems Shiner is a bit surprised. Normally, Ivory would take to your comment and laugh about it, but this time she defended him without skipping a beat.

"Ivory..." Shine doesn't finish, but you can see a bit of unspoken communication going on between them. Deciding not to speak, he reaches up and gives her a 'thank you' nuzzle. She returns it as best as she can.

"It's good to hear you say that Ivory. We can joke all we want, but it's always good to make sure that person knows you're only joking. Even the playing field if you will," you run your hand up to her neck and give it a slight rub as you comment.

She giggles a bit and nods her head. That happiness is cut short by another coughing fit. You hold her during the entire process, and Shiner rests a hoof on her hind leg. Once she finishes, a groan is all she can muster to display her unhappiness. This repeats a few more times as you watch cartoons with the two of them in silence.

A few hours later, you're nearly done with the laundry. You've begun folding your clothes and placing them into the basket for now. Your two ponies are napping on the couch it seems. You doubt Shiner was tired, but he wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. Fortunately, Shiner has learned how to comfortably sleep with his mask on. It had concerned you, but he has managed to do so quite a few times without complications.

After taking Ivory's temperature, putting the clothes away, and changing the sheets in your bed, you lay down for your own nap. Taking care of a sick sentient pony hasn't been too easy on you since it was just you and another sentient pony taking care of her. Challenging, but you'll do just about anything to make her well again.

You're awoken shortly after falling asleep by the sound of the door opening, but you don't open your eyes. You would recognize those hoofsteps anywhere. One of them slowly creeps onto the bed and starts messing around near your head. You're about to get curious when you feel hooves applying something to your face, and you recognize the feeling instantly. Clever little Shiner is trying to put your mask on your 'sleeping' face. You reach a hand up, startling him for a moment, and help him put your mask on properly.

"It's okay Ivory, Master isn't asleep yet," you hear him scoot over to the edge after saying that. Another pair of hoofsteps enters the room after that.

"I actually was asleep until you opened the door Shiner," you mumble, not moving.

"Sorry Master," he quietly whispers.

You just pat the spot next to you in response. As soon as they get comfortable next to you, you wrap your arm around them. Ivory, back against your chest, pushes into you. Shiner rests his head on her side and under your hand. Giving him a few pets and an ear scratch, you all return to slumber land.

You're currently enjoying a nice dream about taking your ponies to a lake. There's a nice breeze, the sun sits high in the sky, your two pets are playing close by, and the water looks so tranquil. It would be a picture perfect moment if something odd didn't just catch your eye. Ivory is suddenly darting towards you, but Shiner hasn't changed direction with her. He's still in full gallop as if Ivory was still ahead of him. She's not stopping, and she's heading straight towards you like she's going to tackle you. Before you can say anything, she jumps into you and pushes you onto your back. You begin to hear her call your name as she excitedly pushes on your body with her hooves. "Master wake up. Come on, you gotta wake up!"

Her voice begins to stir you from your slumber. Something keeps pushing on your body just like she was in your dream. Slowly opening your eyes, your brain comes to the realization that a pair of hooves are indeed pushing on you. It appears to be night from the looks of the window, but you're more concerned about the hooves on your body. Sure enough, Ivory is trying to wake you up, and she seems excited.

"Master! Look," the excitement in her voice is further accentuated by the huge smile.

"Ivory, please calm down. What has you so excited?"

"I don't feel sick anymore! No more aches, no fever according to Shiner, my nose isn't running, and my coughs have subsided by a lot!"

"Are you sure?" your eyes open wide when you process what she just said. All better? Is it even possible after 4 days? You did your best to take care of her along with giving her medicine, but could she have really fought off the flu in such a short amount of time? Her fever must have broke during her sleep, and her infection finally gave in to her immune system. Plenty of rest earns another point in support.

"Her temperature has returned to normal if that helps, Master," Shiner catches your attention from the floor beside the bed. "She had me check it a few moments ago although she was more than a little excited about it."

After feeling no feverish signs from her forehead, you're beside yourself with confusion. Her face looks a lot better to. All the color and life has returned to it for the most part. Her normal energy also seems to have returned as she beams at you.

"We're not out of the woods just yet, but I am very relieved to hear that my little pony. Shiner and I will still have to wear our masks for a few days to be safe; however, I think I can suspend your restrictions now."

Ivory lets out an excited squee and starts jumping around on the bed. It's not the kind of squee she lets out during a belly rub, but it nearly stops your heart all the same. She looks so happy to be well again, and Shiner just smiles. You can see the relief and overall happiness he's feeling in his eyes. Just like you, he most likely would have done just about anything to help her.

"You know Master," he stands up on his hindlegs and tries to get close to you, "we did a pretty good job of taking care of her."

"That we did. I imagine she'll always be grateful for what we did," you give him another ear scratch.

"One would think that would be worth a reward to such an obedient and helpful pony," he looks you right in the eyes.

"Not on your life Shiner," you say flatly.

"Dammit," he raises and brings his hoof down on the bed, but not harshly, "I thought for sure I had you this time."

"Are you really that desperate for something like that," you arch an eyebrow at him.

"You eat out Ivory," he whines.

"Yes, but I don't let Ivory fill me full of seed. Do I?"

He just flops his head onto the bed and sighs. Seriously? Now you're positively curious.

"Tell me why it's so important to you."

"The other way just feels like I'm pleasuring you, and my own satisfaction is just a bonus," he doesn't even look up.

Now you understand. He doesn't quite feel as if he's being serviced during your fun. Sure, he gets relief, but it wouldn't feel like you were pleasing him. Like he said, it's almost as if the whole thing is for your benefit alone. With 'that' it would about you servicing him much in the same way as your belly rubs. He wants to feel as though he's the center of attention at least once during such fun. Even with Ivory, it's always the same for him. She doesn't fully service him either.

"Okay Shiner, get up here," you pat the spot next to you.

"Really!?" his ears stand up straight and he looks at you hoping you weren't joking.

"I think I understand how you feel, and I'm going to give you what you wanted. Now, hop up here and let's get you taken care of," you flash him a warm smile.

"Master, are you really going to... to *mumble*" Ivory decides to enter the conversation.

"Shiner takes care of us both during those sessions. It's only fair that I return the favor," you reach out and pat her on the head.

Shiner finally sits down next to you, and you roll him on to his back. He's ready, and so are you. After removing your mask and having Ivory put on her's, you lean in and give Shiner a kiss.

He earned this reward. He stayed next to Ivory as much as possible, helped make all the soup, got her things she asked for, and kept her safe. You don't mind letting him have this moment, no matter how degrading you might have felt it was. A look of complete gratitude is evident on his face as he enjoys this reward.

It was a stressful 4 days, but it's all over. You worried non-stop for Ivory, and now she's finally well again. Each day with your ponies is just as special as the ones before it; furthermore, you couldn't bear the thought of something happening to them. They're your family, and you're theirs. With Ivory practically healthy again, the clouds over your head have cleared. That would make you smile right now if Shiner hadn't just cried out in relief.

"I'll go get a towel Master," Ivory giggles.

Oh well, you love your ponies too much to be upset about this.

Fin~